When You Pray
When You Pray Session 13
December 7, 2021 • Erin Morris
In addition to teaching us how to pray, the Bible mentions different people we should pray for. We should be in the habit of praying for those in authority over us, fellow believers, those who are sick and/or in sin, the lost, and even our enemies. Join us as we conclude our study on prayer by looking at the various people we are called to pray for. Verses Used: Ephesians 1:18-20 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Psalm 19:14 Matthew 9:37-38 Matthew 5:44 Luke 23:33-43 Discussion Questions: 1. When we are called to pray for those in authority over us, who is Scripture talking about? Why is it important to pray for them and what things should we pray? 2. Why should we pray for fellow believers? What things should we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ? 3. Has the Lord ever put someone on your mind, out of the blue, to pray for, that opened up doors of opportunity to minister/mentor them? How did that turn out? 4. Do you spend any kind of significant time in prayer for the lost? Has that brought about any opportunities to minister to strangers? 5. How and why should we pray for those who are sick both physically and spiritually? (in rebellion against the Lord) 6. How and why should you pray for someone who has hurt/wronged you? How has praying for them changed your heart toward them? 7. How did God used this study in your life this past semester?
When You Pray Session 12
November 30, 2021 • Diane Clift
Most often we desire a quick resolution to our prayers. We want instant answers and a quick fix. There are times, however, when God doesn't answer us quickly and we must return to the Lord over and over in prayer about these things. Why might an answer delay? What spiritual benefit might this grant to us and why should we not lose heart when we are not answered right away, but continue to pray? Join us for session twelve as we study Jesus' teaching on persevering in prayer. Verses Used: Luke 11:1-13 Colossians 4:6 Luke 18:1-8 Matthew 15:22-28 James 5:17-18 1 Kings 18:43-44 Psalm 55:17 Psalm 38:15 Psalm 27:14 Romans 8:26 Discussion Questions: 1. Why or when are we tempted to lose heart and not persevere in prayer? 2. What are reasons God may not answer our prayers right away? 3. What does it mean to labor fervently or strive in prayer? Do these characteristics accurately describe your prayer life? 4. Are you discouraged in your prayer life? It can be difficult to continue praying on when you don't see answers coming. Have you been persistent, even in just one prayer? 5. Have you seen a mighty answer from God as you have fervently prayer? Take some time to think and then share to encourage others. 6. How have you seen God answer prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 11
November 16, 2021 • Samantha Marsh
Fasting is mentioned alongside prayer in the Bible in multiple passages. What exactly is fasting and what is the purpose of it? In session eleven we examine how fasting impacts our relationship with the Lord and helps purify our motives here on earth. Verses Used: Matthew 6:15-18 Is 58:2-7 Zechariah 7:5-7; 9-10 Joel 2:12-14 Luke 18:9-24 Philippine 3:19 Discussion Questions: 1. What is the purpose of fasting? What are some of the reasons people fasted in Scripture? 2. How does fasting impact our spiritual lives and our relationship with the Lord? 3. What things can we fast from? 4. Have you ever fasted over anything? How did you see God use that time of fasting in your life? 5. Is there anything in your life that you’re being led to fast and pray about? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 10
November 9, 2021 • Paula Thorp
Scripture gives examples of many different kinds of prayers including prayers of repentance, adoration, thanksgiving, protection and help. How can we incorporate these into our prayer lives and why is it important to do so? Join us for session 10 as we take a closer look at what a vibrant prayer life looks like. Verses Used: Habakkuk 3:17-19 Hebrews 13:15 Hebrews 4:15-16 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Discussion Questions: 1. What different types of prayer are mentioned in Scripture? 2. What is repentance? How should action pair with a prayer of repentance? 3. Why is it important to spend time during prayer in praise, thanksgiving and adoration? What things can we praise God for regardless of our circumstances? 4. Scripture also tells us to pray for protection, help, strength and encouragement. Why is praying about these things important? How have you seen God answer you when you have prayed for help, strength or encouragement? 5. Which type of prayer takes of most of your prayer life? (Adoration, Repentance, Thanksgiving, etc.) 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 9
November 2, 2021 • Erin Morris
Jesus taught us to pray that we would not be led into temptation, but rather, delivered from evil. What evil is He speaking of? Why is temptation so dangerous to our spiritual lives and what deliverance from it does Christ offer? Join us for session nine as we examine not only God's power to deliver us from temptation, but also the role we play in gaining victory over sin in our lives. Verses: Matthew 6:13 James 1:13 1 John 2:15-16 1 Corinthians 10:13 Romans 6:6, 12-14 Discussion Questions: 1. Who is it that tempts us? And/or by what things are we tempted? 2. Why and how is sin and temptation so dangerous to our lives? 3. How does God help us to overcome temptation and sin? (1 Corinthians 10:13) 4. What is our role in overcoming temptation so we are not carried away to sin? 5. What does it mean to “make no provision for the flesh?” How do we put ourselves in compromising situations that help push us in the direction of sin? 6. Is there any area of sin in your life in which you’re struggling? What Scriptures could help you gain victory? How could you “make no provision for the flesh” in that area? 7. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 8
October 26, 2021 • Angela McAlister • Matthew 6:12, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, Matthew 6:14–15
We’re commanded numerous times throughout Scripture to forgive, and to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Why are these two concepts in Matthew 6 linked, and what does that look like in our lives? Why can it be so hard to forgive…and what do we do in those circumstances? Join us for session eight as we learn how to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Verses Used: Matthew 6:12 Romans 3:23 Romans 6:23 James 2:10 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 19:26 Discussion Questions: 1. What is meant when the Scripture says that Christ “cancelled out the certificate of debt…” on our behalf? (Colossians 2:13-14) 2. If Christ has paid for our sins already, why is it necessary for us to ask for repentance after we are saved? (Isaiah 1:15 & 59:1-2) 3. What “attitude” is required when we repent? 4. When we pray, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” who is our forgiveness supposed to imitate? How does God forgive us? 5. Does the forgiveness we extend to others actually reflect the way our Father has forgiven us? Why or why not? When is it hardest to extend forgiveness? Why is it necessary that we do so? 6. How should we treat our “enemies,” or those who have wronged us? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) What can we do to take steps to obey this command? 7. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 7
October 19, 2021 • Paula Thorp • John 6:35
Jesus tells us to ask Him for our "daily bread." What is the "daily bread" we need from God? What is the benefit to us if we present our needs to the Father instead of trying to provide for them by the strength of our own hands? Join us for session 7 as we discuss how to truly trust the Lord to provide for every need and be content with what He gives us. Verses Used: John 6:35 Exodus 16 1 Timothy 6:6 Matthew 5:6 Discussion Questions: 1. What does the prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread” mean? 2. In what ways do we try to provide our own “daily bread” (necessities)? What does this lead to? Instead of trying to provide our own daily bread, what does Scripture tell us to do? (Matthew 6:25-34) 3. How does seeking the Lord for our “daily bread” instead of relying on our own strength, keep us dependent on Him? 4. How does anxiety indicate a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide for our needs whether they are physical, spiritual, emotional, etc.? 5. Instead of being anxious, what does Philippians 4:6 command us to do? Do we actually do this? Why or why not? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 6
October 12, 2021 • Erin Morris • Colossians 1:9–10, Hebrews 13:21, John 5:30, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 12:2
If we are to pray, "Your will be done," we must first understand what these words mean. What is the will of God? What is required of my own will for me to be able to pray this prayer? Praying for God's will to be done requires the submission of my own will to His. Join us for session six as we discover how to lay our own wills down and allow His to reign instead. Verses Used: 2 Peter 3:9 Romans 12:2 Col 1:9-10 Hebrews 13:21 John 5:30 Daniel 3:15-21 & 26-30 Discussion Questions: 1. What is God’s will for us as believers? (How should we live?) 2. How can we know or discover God's will for our lives about specific things or decisions we must make? 3. What heart must we have to truly pray “Your will be done?” 4. Why is this prayer hard to pray sometimes? Why should we not be afraid to pray it? 5. How have you seen God walk you through something difficult and, as you surrendered to Him in the midst of it, bring something good out of it? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 5
October 5, 2021 • Diane Clift • 1 Chronicles 29:11–12, Isaiah 9:6–7, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 28:18–20
"Your Kingdom come" is just a three word statement, seemingly very simple, but in actuality it is much more impactful than we may realize. Are we truly willing to pray those words? Do we understand the implications of praying such a prayer? Join us for session five as we discover the importance of this small, but powerful phrase.. Verses Used: Romans 8:26 1 Chronicles 29:11 Daniel 5:27 Isaiah 51:12-15 Philippians 1:27 Discussion Questions: 1. Matthew 6:10 says, “Your Kingdom come.” What is God’s Kingdom? (Revelation 21 & 22) 2. What does it mean to live under God’s authority? How does living under God’s authority impact how we respond to earthly authority? 3. How is God's Kingdom better than earthly kingdoms and how does knowing this is our destiny give us hope day to day? 4. How can we further God's Kingdom here on earth? 5. How do we at times serve our own kingdoms or a worldly kingdom instead of God’s? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 4
September 28, 2021 • Mary Ann Olson
We pray to a holy God. He is holy in and of Himself, which is wholly different from our nature. What implications does His holiness have on our prayer life? What does His holiness require of us? Join us as we study God's perfect nature in session four of "When You Pray." Verses Used: Isaiah 57:15 Romans 8:28-30 I Thess 5:12-13 Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean when the Bible says that God is holy? 2. How is our nature completely different from God’s? 3. What does the Bible tell us about even our best efforts or good deeds? (Isaiah 64:6) 4. How does knowing that our good deeds are worthless prevent us from earning salvation or somehow cleaning ourselves us on our own? 5. What is it that cleanses us and makes us righteous? 6. Do you still struggle with shame/guilt over past sins? Where does guilt/shame come from and how can we fight to be free of it? (Romans 8:1, Galatians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 10:5) 7. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 3
September 21, 2021 • Ashley Brennan • Isaiah 66:1, Psalm 11:4, Psalm 123:1
When we pray to our Father, we notice from Jesus' teaching that He is "in Heaven." This simple phrase reminds us of God's sovereignty and perfect character. As we direct our prayers toward Heaven, our focus is fixed not on earthly things, but on the majestic kingdom we have been given access to by the blood of Christ Jesus. Join us for session three of "When You Pray." Verses Used: Isaiah 66:1 Psalm 11:4 Psalm 123:1 Psalm 18:6 Revelation 21:5.6 Psalm 73:23-25 Discussion Questions: 1. What are some of the descriptions the Bible gives us of what heaven will be like? (See Revelation 21 & 22:1-9 for details) 2. Why is it important to study what heaven is like? What encouragement does it give us to know heaven is our home? (2 Cor 4:16-18) 3. What determines who is granted entrance into heaven? (Rev 21:11-5; Romans 10:9; Acts 4:12) 4. What does it mean that Jesus is our advocate or mediator between us and God? Why do we need a mediator? (See Day 5, question 5 of homework) 5. Much of what we see the elders, angels and saints doing in heaven consists of worship of and reverence for God. What is reverence? How do we show God reverence? Do you think we do a good job of showing reverence for God? Why or why not? 6. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 2
September 14, 2021 • Paula Thorp • Matthew 6:9, Hebrews 4:6, Hebrews 2:11, 1 Timothy 2:5, 2 Corinthians 6:18
As Jesus instructs us to pray, He says we ought to address God as "our Father." What does it mean that God is our Father? Are we all His children? As our Father, what is His nature toward us? Join us for session two of "When You Pray." Verses Used: Matthew 6:9 Hebrews 4:6 Hebrews 2:11 1 Timothy 2:5 2 Corinthians 6:18 Discussion Questions: 1. What have you done this past week to place a greater focus on prayer? 2. As Jesus taught us to pray He could have assigned many titles to the Lord, but He chose to call Him “our Father.” Why do you think that is? 3. What things does a loving father do for his children? What is his attitude toward them? In what ways does he show his love for them? How does God do the same for us? 4. Are you able to view God as your kind heavenly Father? Why or why not? 5. How have you seen God use prayer in your life this week?
When You Pray Session 1
September 7, 2021 • Proverbs 16:5, Psalm 139:1–6, Matthew 6:5–8, Zechariah 7:5, Matthew 23:24–28
Jesus begins teaching us about prayer by calling us first to examine our hearts. Are they clean before the Lord or are they full of hypocrisy and pride? Do our prayers come from a sincere heart or do we fall into the trap of praying meaningless repetitions? Join us for session one of our study: When You Pray as we examine the proper posture with which we ought to approach God in prayer. Verses Used: Proverbs 16:5 Psalm 139:1-6 Matthew 6:5-8 Matthew 23:24-28 Zechariah 7:5 Discussion Questions: 1. What is the definition of a hypocrite? 2. Are there any areas in which you struggle with hypocrisy in your prayer life? 3. What should be the heart behind prayer? 4. What is the purpose of prayer? 5. What is your biggest struggle with prayer?